Trailer construction



c. G. CLEMENT Jvuly 29, 1,930.

TRAILER GONS'JR'UC'LIONl Filed Jan. 2,3. 192s 2 Sheets-Sheet LL` 9m NNN www@ Mw July 29,` 1930. c. G.. CLEMENT 1,771,572

'TRAILER cons'rnuc'uon Filed Jan. 23, 1928 2 Sheets-Shen?. 2

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VPatented July 29, 1930 {Uirasrars PATENT orr'lcl".N

CHABLESG. CLEMENT, OF EDGERTON, WISCONSIN,ASSIGNORHT HIGHWAY TRAILER COMPANY, OF EDGERTON, WISCONSN, A CORPORATION OIFLWISCONSIN TRAELER- CONSTRUCTION Application led January123, 192%. Serial No. 243,693.

This `invention relates to vehicles ofthe trailer type, and has `for'an object to provide an improved spring mounting for suspending theframe in substantially the same plane as the axles, whereby the pull exerted on the draw bar may be transmitted through ,the frame ,in an approximately straight line. It consists in the various features and elements of construction and combination of Vparts hereinafter described and as shown in Athe drawings andas indicated bythe claims.

LIn the drawings: Y

Figure 1 is a somewhat diagrammatic view in side elevation fof a vehicle embodying the present invention, provided with a laterally tiltable type dumping body.

Figure 2 is a fragmentary plan view of the front endl of the vehicle with the body removed. I

Figure 3 is a vertical longitudinal section illustrating the improved frame suspension, ,taken as indicated at line 3-3 on Figure 2.

Figure L.lis a vertical section through the frame and springas indicated at line l-d vat Figure 2. i

`Figure 'is a transverse .section to a frame vlmember, taken at line 5 5 on Figure 3.

This invention is a continuation in part of my co-pending application, Serial Number 218,450, filed September 9, 1927.

As Vshown in the drawings my invention is illustra-ted in connection with a Vvehicle having a body, 1, mountedon a frame, 2, provided with the usual supporting wheels, 3, and axles, il. A. pair of longitudinally spaced rails, 5, are carried onthe frame, (3o-operating with i a pair .of rockers., 6, on the body, softhat said body may be rolled and tilted laterally for discharging its load. The `frame is composed of two side members, each including a pair of longitudinally extending channel members, 7, disposed in `spaced relation with their flanges extending in opposite directions. These channel members are supported in substantially the same plane as the axles and are secured together at their upper flanges by brackets hereinafter described, the lower flanges of said channels being connected by tie bars, 8. A. cast draw head, 9, is mounted on the front aXle, 4, having a draw bar, 10,

pivotallyconnected thereto' by a king "bolt, t

11. The draw bar is provided withan eXtension,12,hingedlyconnected at, 13, for swinging abouta horizontal axis to provide vertical playin the draw-,bar for pulling; the

with an eye, 14, for coupling to other trailers stantiallythe same. Of course it is to ,be understood that Vsuitable `lookin g means may be provided tolock the frearset ofwheels against steering movement. However, in

single steer vehicles, the rear axle may 'be litted with-a plate` (notshown) similartothe draw head,.10, except that there will be no L provision 'fora draw bar; or the rear axle plate may be of a similar design to that shown inumy co-pending application, above mentioned, -which includes a usual type ofcoupling for engaging the/draw bar ,ofanother vehicle for pulling in a train.

It will be understood that both ends ofthe frame side members are suspended from the respective axles in exactly the lsame manner, and a description of one end of one Vof `said-sidemembers,willsuiiice for all., Each `end of the draw head, 9, is provided ,with` a pair Vof upwardly extending lugs, 17, between which is -pivotallyconnected the forward end `of aradius rodor controlling link, 18,

whichieXtends toward the opposite end of the .vehicley above, and centrally between said channelmembers,f7, and has itsrear end loosely mountedon a. rocking pin, 19,]'ournaled in bearingbrackets, 20, secured to the upper flanges of the respective channelfmembers. The ends of the frame` side members 55 Iorward end of saiderrtension isrprovided are yieldingly supported by semi-elliptic leaf springs, `21, disposed between the channels,

7, havingthe longer leaves of the spring on `the bottom, the forward end ofthe spring being pivotallymounted in a bracket, 22, bolted to the underside of the aXlc'and tothe draw head, 9. The other end of the spring is pivotally connected to a swinging shackle bracket, 23, positioned intermediate said pin, 19. A saddle, 27, engages the upper surfaces of the spring leaves and is provided with a pair of upwardly projecting lugs, 28, loosely mounted on the rocking pin between'the rear end of the radius rod and the bearing brackets, 20, as shown in Figure.4. A pair of U-bolts, 29, engage the ends of the saddle and pass around the spring and are secured to a plate, 30, extending across the bottom leaf of the spring.

It will now be clear that the pin, 19, serves as a rocking pivot for the spring, as it is iiexed due to loads on the frame, and the swinging shackle bracket, 23, compensates for the variations in the position of the spring end during flexure. It will be noted that .the frame side members are not supported directly at their ends, but at the pivot pins, 19, and 24. Of course these springs will transmit a certain amount of the pull exerted on the draw bar, throughout the side members, but the greater portion of this force is transmitted to the side members bv the radius rods kor controlling links, 18. The bearing brackets, 20, and 23, with their pivot pins, 19 and 24, respectively, serve as a brace and a connection of the upper flanges of the channel members, 7.

It may be understood that the rear wheels of the vehicle are lixed or locked in straightahead position against steering movement so that the movement of the vehicle may7 be controlled by the steering adjustment of the forward wheels. .Each of the wheels, 3, is mounted on a spindle having a knuckle pivotally mounted on a knuckle spindle, 38, in the forked ends or yoke, 39, of the front axle 4. Each knuckle is provided with a forwardly extendino` steering arm, 40, Vthe ends of which areconnected together for pivotal movement by a tie rod, 41, disposed parallel .to the axle in all positions of steering adjustment. A drag link, 42, is pivoted to one end of the tie rod, its other end being pivotally connected to the Vdraw bar, 10. Ordinarily the draw bar is connected'to a draft vehicle or other trailer for pulling in a train; as the pulling vehicle deviates from a straight course, the draw-bar, 10, will have a tendency to swing to one side or other about its pivot, 11, and this swinging movement isv utilized to directly control the steering movement of the front wheels through the drag link, 42, and tie rod, 41, which swings the steering arms, 40, in unison to impart steering adjustment to the wheels.

y I claim:

l. In a vehicle, the combinationA of a frame, supporting wheels and axles therefor, said frame including a side member comprising two transversely spaced longitudinally extending members, a leaf spring positioned between said members with one end connected to the axle and the other end connected to said members, and means on said members engaging the Athickest portion of said spring providing a rocking pivot for said spring on sa'idrmembers.. e Y 2. In the combination defined in claim l, said spring being positionedy substantially within the vertical limits of said side member.

k3. In the combination defined in claim 1, said means including abracket engaging both of the longitudinally extending members, having bosses extending above said members, a pin journaled in said bosses and a saddle engaging the spring provided with an upper portion mounted on said pin, permitting rocking movement of said spring about said pin.

4. In a vehicle comprising a frame, supporting wheels and axles therefor, and a body mounted on said frame adapted to be tilted laterally for discharging its load, said frame including a pair of spaced longitudinally extending side members, and springs connected to the axles for yieldingly supporting said members in substantially the same plane as the axles, whereby the pull on the axles may be transmitted through the Aframe in an approximately straightline.

5. In a vehicle comprising a frame, supporting wheels and axles therefor, said frame including side members, each composed of two transversely spaced longitudinally extendinrr members, a leaf spring disposed between each set of side members adjacent one end, with one end of said springs connected to the axle and the other end connected to said members, means engaging said springs intermediate the ends and connected to the side members for providing a rocking pivot for the springs, and a radius rod connecting said means to the axle.

6. In a vehicle comprising a frame, supporting wheels and axles therefor, said frame including side members each composed of two 'transversely spaced longitudinally extending beams, a leaf springmounted between each set of beams adjacent the ends, said springs being connected at one end to the underside of the axle and the other end to the beams, saddles engaging said springs intermediate their ends, vand pivotally supported on said beams for providing a rocking support for the springs, and radius rods connected lto said beams and to the upper side of the axle, said springs being arranged to support the frame with the axles lying within the vertical limits .of the beams, whereby to transmit the pull 'on the axles throughout the frame in substantially a straight line.

CHARLES G. CLEMENT.

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